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SPINNING GATE SHOPPING CENTRE ANNOUNCE DUAL SERVICES PARTNER

Sam Whitear
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The Spinning Gate Shopping Centre in Leigh have announced the appointment of new dual services provider: The ExcluSec Group, based in the North West.

The Exclusec Group were awarded the dual services provision for a 3 year term at Spinning Gate Shopping Centre following their successful 12 month security contract at the centre in 2018.

Spinning Gate Shopping Centre hosts 40 retail units within 110,000sq ft of retail space in Leigh Town Centre. The centre has good transport connectivity, with close links to the M6 motorway. Spinning Gate sits between the flat surface on site car park (operated by Wigan Council) and the towns Bus Station, which has direct links into Manchester City Centre. The centre also runs in parallel to the towns high street Bradshawgate and operates 7 days a week.

The centre is privately owned by Atmore Group Ltd who appoint Legat Owen as managing agents for the scheme. Spinning Gate provides a variety of national stores interspersed with independant shops.

North West based, The ExcluSec Group provide the centre with 10,000 security hours and 8,400 cleaning hours annually, ensuring the centre remains clean, safe and secure for its 4 million shoppers it attracts each year.
The centres SIA licensed security officers continue their employ with The ExcluSec Group and are continuing their training and development programmes. The on site security team have achieved great successes over the past 12 months, minimising retail crime, enhancing customer service delivery, increasing retail liaison and assisting with first aid incidents in centre.

The centres cleaning team have transferred to The ExcluSec Group under TUPE and will also complete comprehensive training and development programmes including a company induction, refresher training and customer service training. The centre cleaning team have launched the centres new cleaning uniform, dual branded with The ExcluSec Group and Spinning Gate. The cleaning team provide a cleaning service front of house, ensuring the daily cleaning of 1,377 sq meters of mall ceramic floor tiles using a Tennant T3 scrubber dryer cleaning machine. The team include a back of house provision, cleaning and maintaining the service yard and centres service corridors. In addition, the back of house team also provide a waste management service, collecting and processing waste from centre stores. Last year the team collected and processed over 107,000kg of waste all of which was diverted from landfill.

Karen Cox, Centre Manager of the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre said:
“The ExcluSec Group demonstrated its commitment to excellence whilst working with us at Spinning Gate during 2018. We are excited to extend this partnership even further and we are sure this latest dual services contract will benefit our retail partners and shoppers too. It is imperative that we support and strengthen the community spirit by providing a safe, secure and clean shopping environment and The ExcluSec Group along with their on site teams can provide this as well as providing a friendly face and assistance when required.
The ExcluSec Group are in the top 2% of all SIA approved contractors in the UK and are NSI Guarding Gold accredited. The ExcluSec Group are a member of BIFM, are safe contractor approved and accreditations include ISO 9001 and IIP Gold which they have proudly retained over the past few years. Spinning Gate Shopping Centre are excited to be working in partnership with The ExcluSec Group, an experienced service partner. It was imperative that we appointed a company that is proficient in delivering core competencies of security, cleaning and customer service to enhance our shopper experience.”

The ExcluSec Group is a privately owned provider of soft service solutions, founded in 2010 providing a portfolio of security, cleaning and facilities management services across the UK. ExcluSec provide a bespoke solution to exceed client requirements and business needs.

James Bancroft, MD of The ExcluSec Group commented:
“We are delighted to secure another contract with Spinning Gate Shopping Centre and are looking forward to continuing our successes and partnership work with the centre management team. The ExcluSec Group have gained previous experience in both the retail and shopping centre industries and are eager to continue sharing our expertise and best practises along with our flexible, efficient and transparent solutions with Spinning Gate. The acquisition of the dual services contract Spinning Gate is a great addition to The ExcluSec Group’s portfolio which continues to enjoy sustained success and growth.”

UKFast pens one-year extension with Sale Sharks

Sam Whitear
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Premiership Rugby side Sale Sharks has announced a one-year extension to the deal it has in place with principal sponsor UKFast.

The Manchester-based cloud hosting firm re-signed with Sale back in 2016 in a deal worth an undisclosed seven-figure sum – the largest sponsorship deal in the club’s history.

That agreement brought the two brands back together following a five-year hiatus, and now fresh terms have been signed that will see the UKFast logo remain on Sale’s home and away shirts for a fourth consecutive season.

Mark Cueto, Commercial Director at Sale Sharks, said: “It’s fantastic to have renewed our partnership with UKFast for another season.

“The company is an outstanding, nationally recognised brand that has grown with us over the years and been a huge part of our success on and off the pitch.

“It’s a one-year extension that takes our current agreement to four years as we look ahead to what promises to be a really exciting season of rugby.

“I can’t stress how much we value the support of partners like UKFast that are really helping us compete for top honours in the Premiership and in the European competitions too.

“Shirt sponsorship offers some amazing opportunities for brand visibility, but our partnerships go way beyond that – from our Business Club to engagement with our fan base, we’re constantly working to activate sponsorships for all of our key partners.”

UKFast originally sponsored Sale from 2000 to 2010, with CEO Lawrence Jones – a huge Sale Sharks fan – helping to boost the club’s online and digital capabilities to attract a wider supporter base.

He said: “We’re really pleased to be continuing our partnership with Sale Sharks.

“We’ve been on a fantastic journey with the club over the years and with so much promise on the field towards the end of last season, it was an easy decision to put pen to paper on another year.

“Since the new owners took over, you can feel the difference. It was always a fantastic club, but now there’s a little bit of extra magic in the air and I am convinced you will see it emanate of the pitch this season.

“There’s no better place to celebrate the successes of a long week with your clients than watching quality premiership rugby. We’ve built some incredible relationships with our clients over the years and with the recent signings, this season is set to be a truly exciting one”.

Bridge’s Batty joins board of Biba

Sam Whitear
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John Batty of Manchester’s Bridge Insurance has been appointed chair
of Biba’s regional chairs’ advisory board and will represent members
from across BIBA’s regions in the UK.

John, the Director of Technical Services at Bridge Insurance, will
also join the trade body’s main board. He comments: “It is a privilege
to join Biba’s board on behalf of regional brokers. I will ensure that
they have a strong voice on the issues and trends that are raised
through Biba’s regional committees.”

Biba (British Insurance Brokers’ Association) is the UK’s leading
general insurance intermediary body, looking after the interests of
insurance brokers, intermediaries and their customers by campaigning
on all aspects of insurance to ensure the industry is united and
working for brokers and customers alike.

Biba chief executive Steve White added: “I am pleased that John will
take up this important role and represent brokers at the highest
levels.”

Bridge Insurance is based on Charlotte Street, central Manchester. The
leading independent corporate insurance broker is celebrating fifty
years in business in 2020 and recently moved its London team into new
larger premises.

Manchester-based Code Nation reaches major milestone

Sam Whitear
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Code Nation has reached a major milestone this month as the pioneering digital education provider has now trained 300 coders and cyber security experts across its campuses – a rate of one new coder every other day.

The school operates out of Spring Gardens in Manchester – where it has capacity for 80 students – as well as a second school in Chester and imminent plans to expand into the South of the country; it leads the way in closing the digital skills gap and raising employment rates.

Andy Lord, the Manchester-based founder of Code Nation, was working in the recruitment industry when he noticed disconnection between the digital skills that employers were increasingly requiring, and the lack of skills potential candidates had.

Recognising the need to close this digital skills shortage and remove the gender gap in STEM, he set up Code Nation to help people from all walks of life not only learn this highly desired knowledge but importantly connect them with amazing companies to make the most of career opportunities.

Speaking of the milestone Andy said: “Reaching 300 coders is a huge milestone for Code Nation as a startup company that was only founded in 2017, not least because it proves the demand for people to learn these new skills, but it also shows what can be achieved when the right resources and training is available.”

As well as offering courses in coding, cyber security and iOS development, Code Nation works with a network of pledgers – businesses who help course graduates find jobs. These pledgers include BBC, Manchester Digital, AO.com and Code.

Andy continued: “It is a known fact that ‘UK PLC’ will soon see the consequences of the digital skills gap and that is why we are working hard with both individuals and businesses to make sure that as many people as possible, are trained and in place.

“Most organisations recognise that a smooth transition to digital is no longer optional, but an essential part of strategic growth. Our ambition has always been to provide the most up to date education for individuals who may not have otherwise thought of IT as a career, teaching areas such as cyber security, data analysis and AI, and then match people with businesses who have the very real demand for such skills.

“This milestone is big news – with over 90% of graduates placed in roles, they are now playing a huge role in the future proofing of both our local and UK-wide economy.”

WCCTV Named in London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2019 report

Sam Whitear
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A leading surveillance systems manufacturer based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2019.

Wireless CCTV Ltd (WCCTV), which specialises in providing redeployable CCTV, electronic site security systems, body worn cameras and time lapse video services, has been included in the list following several years of growth – driven by unique product innovation and international expansion.

Published annually, the report celebrates the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium businesses (SMEs), with companies representing over 40 sectors and spanning every region of the country.

To be selected for the list, businesses had to demonstrate not only positive revenue growth over the last three years but also outperform their sector peers.

WCCTV’s inclusion in the list follows a period of significant growth in which the Company has recorded increases in both revenue and profit in each of the last 3 financial years, was listed in Greater Manchester’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies for 2019 and named as an ‘Emerging Star’ at the Megabuyte Forum Awards in 2018.

Launched in 2001, WCCTV has grown to become the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of mobile video surveillance solutions, supplying products and services to a diverse client base which includes major construction firms, local and national government agencies, critical national infrastructure providers and major retailers. The Company has offices in Rochdale, Hemel Hempstead and Dallas, boasting 81 employees and a revenue of £12.5m.

The Company’s mobile surveillance systems transmit live and recorded images over wireless networks including 3G/4G and Wi-Fi. In 2016, WCCTV launched the UK’s first one-box live transmission body worn video camera.

On the recent accolade, David Gilbertson, CEO of Wireless CCTV stated:

“Our inclusion in this list is a huge achievement for the Company and a source of great pride, but I strongly believe it is a well-deserved reflection on the hard work of our loyal and committed workforce.

It follows several years of increased turnover and profit, which has been driven by our commitment to delivering innovative customer-focused products, backed by best-in-class support services.”

ADT Workplace Appoints New Strategy Director

Sam Whitear
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Manchester based commercial interior design, build and delivery specialist, ADT Workplace has significantly strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Adrian Gleeson to the newly created role of Strategy Director. His appointment marks a significant addition to ADT Workplace’s senior team and reflects the company’s continuing commitment to providing first-class consultancy to its clients.

An industry heavy-weight, Adrian brings a wealth of experience to his new role having most recently worked for TSK Group where he was Director of Business Development. In his new role, Adrian will be responsible for developing and driving the business strategy for ADT Workplace, including collaborating with the rest of the senior team to help execute the company’s vision and ambitious growth plans. Adrian will also lead on business development for ADT Workplace, working with the current business development team to embed new approaches and reach new markets.

“I’m extremely proud to be joining the ADT Workplace team at what is such an exciting time for the company,” commented Adrian on his new role. “Over recent years, the team has delivered some of the most inspiring and unique work spaces I’ve seen, so I’m thrilled to join such a talented and experienced team. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with our clients to further enhance ADT Workplace’s services, and ultimately, help ADT Workplace continue its impressive journey.”

Discussing Adrian’s appointment, ADT Workplace’s MD David Clemetson said: “We were looking to strengthen our senior team with someone who could not only help us ensure we offer our clients the high quality services and consultancy they need, but also support us in shaping and delivering our future business vision. With his undisputed experience and enviable status within the industry, Adrian was the perfect candidate for this role. With a proven track record in developing outstanding client relationships, he is ideally placed to help take ADT Workplace forward and I’m confident he will be a valuable addition to the team.”

Software testing company appoints first graduate apprentice in Manchester to boost growing regional team

Sam Whitear
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One of the UK’s fastest growing and largest independent software testing companies, Edge Testing Solutions, part of Eurofins Digital Testing, is continuing to build its Manchester-based team – with the appointment of former IT teacher, Steve Walsh, as its first graduate apprentice.

As Test Consultant, Manchester-born Steve’s new role provides him with the opportunity to put IT theory into practice. Where once he provided his students with the knowledge and skills to create their software and solutions, Steve went back to ‘school’ with Edge Testing’s Academy – a two year learning program that combines an intensive six-week boot camp blending classroom-based software testing training with practical experience.

Steve explains why Edge Testing appealed to him: “Software testing is an interesting field, where every day is different. I liked the thorough training provision, alongside the opportunity to work for some interesting clients.

“It’s fun being on the opposite side of the classroom and the Academy tutors are all experts in their fields providing a high level and calibre of tuition during the course. I used to do sudoku puzzles and I have strong attention to detail, so I’m a real geek when it comes to knowing how apps and tech work. That’s very useful in this new career of mine.”

Steve is now one of Edge Testing’s team of over 260 people UK-wide, and works with experienced testers, career changers, and newly qualified graduates in the North West office. The company offers a number of innovative services for clients seeking testing providers, with the Digital Test Lab, which provides a low cost, on demand testing service supplied within the UK and the Academy as a Service, which enables clients to develop their own ‘super-charged’ testing resources without the burden of recruitment.

Edge Academy is a popular entrance to a career in testing, as each graduate is paid throughout the training and has a job at the end of the two years. While some trainee testers have IT degrees, others have a passion for IT-related subjects or are interested in gaming and software applications. Steve did not have any specific software testing experience or qualifications, but he had previously worked as an IT teacher, so his knowledge level was right for this career change.

Steve has no plans to retire any time soon and concluded: “Testing is not a physically demanding job, so I can stay in this role for the foreseeable future and not have to think about retirement. I would like to become a Test Automation Engineer. The thought of using software to test software is fascinating and, in test automation, you’re learning all the time, it’s just like solving a puzzle. It’s a very engaging field that is both challenging and creative, so it’s not going to be boring – ever.”

Stalybridge Chemicals Company Celebrates Major Industry Win

Sam Whitear
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A Stalybridge chemicals company is celebrating its second major win in two years at the Chemical Industry Awards, the industry’s premier accolades. At the black tie event held in Liverpool’s St George’s Hall earlier this summer, Stepan Stalybridge, part of the Stepan Group, a global manufacturer of chemicals, won the ABB Manufacturing and Resource Efficiency Award for transforming its production with dramatic effect.

The award builds on last year’s success winning the Special Responsible Care Award for Process Safety.

Two years ago, the Stalybridge site was struggling to cope with demand for one of its major products, and sister sites around the world were needed to make up the shortfall in production. But by optimising the process, making small changes to equipment, implementing new shift patterns and making dozens more improvements, the company has increased batch sizes by 12%, increased overall production by 20% and now has the capability to meet all of its UK demand without imports.

As a result of the improvements, the company has removed 167 tankers from its supply chain and removed almost a quarter of a million kgs of CO2 from its processes.

Challenging the chemistry

Speaking about the win, Stepan Stalybridge Site Manager, George Forrest said, “We are absolutely thrilled with this win. The improvements we’ve made have come about as a result of challenging ourselves, challenging the chemistry and showing that the answer to a production problem does not always lie in capital expenditure, but on small low and no-cost innovations that have a big impact.”

George was keen to emphasise the effect of the site’s achievements on the local community: “Our efforts have really put the Stalybridge facility on the map in the world of chemicals production. We are now globally recognised as key performers in the detergents, fabric softener and cleaning fluid businesses – and that can only benefit the area in terms of supply chain, job security, reputation and goodwill.”

CityCo launches unique venue for events & meetings in Manchester City Centre

Sam Whitear
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CityCo, Manchester’s city centre management company, has launched three event and meeting spaces at its new offices in Lloyd’s House.

Located in the heart of the city centre on the top floor of Lloyd’s House and overlooking Manchester Town Hall, the newly launched spaces offer a unique Mancunian venue for meetings and events for 2 – 80 people.

Positioned where Southmill Street meets Lloyd Street and extending along Jackson Street, Lloyd’s House has its very own unique story to tell. Designed in 1867 by Speakman & Charlesworth, the site was originally home to the Manchester Shipping Office and Packing Company Ltd and was the city’s first purpose-built packing warehouse, becoming an integral part of the city’s cotton trade industry during its last boom.

Manchester-based auction house announces expansion

Sam Whitear
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Simon Charles Auctioneers & Valuers, the Stockport-based auction house specialising in selling high-street and online retailers’ end of line stock, surplus stock and customers returns through online and live auctions is expanding and opening a new venue.

The unit, which is based in New Bridge Lane, Stockport, will be hosting online auctions selling smaller items such as electricals. The new site is 3000 SQFT and the first online auction was held this week.

Sharlene Rothwell, a spokeswoman for Simon Charles Auctioneers & Valuers, said: “We are so excited to be expanding the business. The new site will allow us to stock more items and host more auctions giving our customers the chance to buy high-street and online retailers’ items for a fraction of their original price.”

The new site will offer one to two online auctions a week to start with, more auctions will be held in the near future.

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